GSD Motorcycles

GSD were motorcycles produced from 1922 to 1923 by R. E. D. Grant of Coventry. The initials stood for Grant Shaft Drive.

The make, with its unusual shaft drive, created a stir at the 1922 Olympia Show, where it was first exhibited.

In addition to the shaft to the under-slung worm at the rear wheel, it took the drive from a four-speed, car-type gearbox. This was built in-unit with the 350cc two-stroke White and Poppe engine, and set across the frame. This duplex frame, with BramptonBiflex forks and foot-boards for the rider, had the clutch between engine and gearbox and the choice of hand or foot control.

Another unusual feature was the position of the magneto, behind the gearbox and alongside the output shaft, so that it must have been driven by a long quill shaft that ran straight through the clutch and gearbox main shaft. There was a cowling to enclose the engine and the machine was said to offer comfort and weather protection.

As an alternative, a 976cc sv JAP V-twin was proposed, along with a 494cc flat-twin Bradshaw which was built in 1923.

The make was not to be successful as the design was unconventional and expensive, so there were few prospective buyers.